Vienna is a fairly compact city, but you're likely to walk for many hours. The inviting boulevards and grandiose architecture invite visitors to extended explorations.
If taking a guided motor tour of the city isn't in your budget, consider a cheap bike rental alternative called City Bike.
Here's how it works: City Bike has about 60 stations all across the city. They're frequently found near mass transit stops or parks. Your first use requires a €1 registration fee. This can be done online and with a credit card or a debit card from an Austrian bank.
Your first hour is free. The second started hour only costs €1. At the start of the third hour, you'll pay €2 per 60 minutes, and from the fourth hour through hour 120, the cost is €4 for each started hour. Those who exceed 120 hours or lose the bike incur a penalty of €600.
The City Bike Web site also provides information about how many bikes are available at a given station, so those who want to explore as a group can plan accordingly.
One word of caution: be certain that you carefully follow City Bike's procedure for returning the bike. Check to see the bike box to which you return is not locked, then push the bike into that unlocked box. A green light should begin flashing and then remain lit. That's the signal that your rental period has officially ended.
If you don't follow this procedure and someone else takes the bike, you'll be on the hook either for a lengthier rental period or that €600 replacement fee.
City Bike is an example of modest transportation that can be both enjoyable to use and easy on your travel budget.
Don't feel limited to mass transit in large cities. Look for Car Sharing opportunities or cheap bike rental. These alternatives give you more control of where you'll be going and should enhance your experience without damaging your travel budget.
